Monday - February 7, 2011
Weekly Meditation
The Cross We Wear
Most of you have probably noticed the large silver cross I wear most Sundays. But, you may not have heard the story behind the cross.
My sister, Katharine, is a jeweler, and in 2001 my parents asked her to create a cross for me. The cross is handmade and has an ancient Byzantine coin set in the center. There are four things engraved on the back of the cross. The first is my name. Next there is the date 2001 which is the year I was commissioned as a probationary elder. When I was ordained in 2004, my sister added that date as well. Finally, there is a scripture reference: Matthew 5:16 - “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
I often think about that verse and what it means to wear a cross. I wonder if my actions give glory to my Father in heaven. I wonder if I am a shining light to others or if I am keeping my light hid under a basket.
Many of us wear clothing and jewelry that contain crosses or other Christian symbols. Today, I want us to think about the message we are sending to the world when we wear a cross. Are we asking the world to see Christ in our actions, or has the cross become just a fashion statement?
Pastor Stephen
This Week in Worship: Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Pastor Stephen preaching
Choir Anthem: Walk Worthy
United Methodist Men - Sweetheart Breakfast
The United Methodist Men are hosting a Sweetheart Breakfast on
Saturday, February 12th at 9:30 am.
Come join us as we celebrate our sweethearts!
Call Rick immediately to sign-up!
New Member Class
The New Member Class is still open if you are in interesting in joining
Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church.
The class meets this Sunday for the final session at 9:00 in the parlor.
The class discusses the wider Christian church, the United Methodist Church
and Providence-Fort Washington.
Participants will then be invited to join the church on Sunday, February 27th.
Please see Pastor Stephen for more information or to sign up.
Wednesday Bible Study
The Wednesday Evening Bible Study gathers at 6:00 pm for a potluck dinner and for Bible Study at 6:30.The lessons for the Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany are:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8;
1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37
Christmas in April
Christmas in April is a special day when volunteers work together to repair homes for the elderly who are disabled and/or low income homeowners.
This year Christmas in April is
Saturday, April 30th
from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Volunteers paint, do yard work, clean, make repairs, etc. - whatever is needed.
Skilled tradesmen are also needed.
Please sign up on the Narthex Bulletin Board no later than February 27th.
All volunteers must be 14 or older. Youth and adults of all ages are welcome.
Please call Shirley if you have any questions.
Meetings This Week
Reminder: Trustees meeting Thursday, February 10th at 3:00 pm.
Snow Policy
In general Providence-Fort Washington follows the Prince George’s School system
(If schools are closed then the church is also closed)
If there is an exception, people in the affected groups will be called.
Also check the website (www.pfwumc.org) for updates!
New Sermon Book Available
Pastor Stephen has just published the 2009-2010 Sermon Book. It contains all the sermons since the First Sunday in Advent 2009. Cost is $12.00.
Pastor Stephen has copies for sale.
It can also be ordered on-line at www.lulu.com/banquo
“Happy are those who keep the Lord’s decrees,
who seek after him with their whole heart.”
(Psalm 119:2)
Blessings,
Pastor Stephen
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